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    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Johnny Carson wasn’t the same on-air and in private, says new book

    Johnny Carson was seemingly a friend to millions as the host of "The Tonight Show" for three decades. That wasn’t the case in his personal life, according to “ Carson the Magnificent ,” published in November.

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    By Madeleine Brand • Dec 4, 2024 • 1 min read

    Johnny Carson was seemingly a friend to millions as the host of "The Tonight Show" for three decades. That wasn’t the case in his personal life, according to “Carson the Magnificent,” published in November.

    The full episode

    4 of 5
    Boom of home kitchen businesses, death of ‘sell by’ dates
    1. 0:00Syria’s surprise rebel offensive creates havoc in Middle East
    2. 10:41Want to sell home-cooked food? It’s legal in LA with a permit
    3. 19:20‘Sell by’ date adds to food waste. Expect it gone in 2026
    4. 27:06Johnny Carson wasn’t the same on-air and in private, says new bookYou’re reading this
    5. 43:34PlayStation at 30: Sony’s console became a victim of its own success
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Madeleine Brand

      Host, 'Press Play'

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      Sarah Sweeney

      Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW

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      Stephen Gregory

      Managing Editor, Press Play

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      Angie Perrin

      Producer, Press Play

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jason Zinoman

      critic at large for The New York Times’ culture section

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    The full episode

    4 of 5
    Boom of home kitchen businesses, death of ‘sell by’ dates
    1. 0:00Syria’s surprise rebel offensive creates havoc in Middle East
    2. 10:41Want to sell home-cooked food? It’s legal in LA with a permit
    3. 19:20‘Sell by’ date adds to food waste. Expect it gone in 2026
    4. 27:06Johnny Carson wasn’t the same on-air and in private, says new bookYou’re reading this
    5. 43:34PlayStation at 30: Sony’s console became a victim of its own success
    Back to Press Play with Madeleine Brand